Say Hello to the Shortbread Shawl

Here are links to find the Shortbread Shawl on Payhip, Etsy, and Ravelry. Read more below to learn about the inspiration behind the shawl and all the details that will help you decide whether this knit shawl pattern is a good fit for your knitting needs.

PAYHIP:

Here’s where you’ll find the Shortbread Shawl.

ETSY:

Here’s where you’ll fine the Shortbread Shawl.

RAVELRY:

Here’s where you’ll find the Shortbread Shawl.

About the Shortbread Shawl

Shortbread cookies are my comfort cookies. I make them when I’m feeling glum or need to remember I can do something well. They’re rich, soothing, and full of butter—not sure I could come up with a better combination! They’re also infinitely customizable. You can add all kinds of flavor extracts, herbs, spices, and bits of fruit to change up the taste and texture.

Like shortbread, this shawl is meant to be a comfort, full of simple texture and a few delicate details that will feel soothing and warm when you put it on. Feel free to experiment with using heavier yarn, removing the bobbles, or adding/removing repeats of the seed stitch bands – because like a good shortbread, this shawl can be modified in lots of ways.

This shawl is a crescent-shaped shawl, which I love for how well it sits on the shoulders when wrapped around in layers (like you see here in the photo). I spend a lot of time wrangling my active four-year-old, so I can’t be bothered with holding on to a shawl or constantly rearranging it. This shape stays put.

As for the knit itself, it’s a soothing mix of seed stitch (you all know I can’t resist that squish) and lacy bands of leaves with bobble berries. These bobbles are crocheted, which I find gives better stitch definition, but don’t worry—you can knit them if you prefer or follow the tutorial video I’ve included with the pattern if you’re not sure how to crochet them! You can even leave them out altogether if you’d prefer. Lots of options there.

Shortbread Shawl Details and Specs

SIZES
One size, 62” (157 cm) wingspan and 17” (43 cm) deep at its widest point

MATERIALS
Color A: Fingering weight yarn, 380-400 yds (348-366 m)
Color B: Fingering weight yarn, 380-400 yds (348-366 m)

Sample shown knit in: Akara Yarns Organic Fingering 2-ply (407 yds/372 m), and Akara Yarns Merino Sock (420 yds/384 m)

GAUGE
4” (10 cm) square = 21 stitches x 30 rows in seed stitch after blocking

A note about gauge: gauge isn’t terribly important for this project, but please note that changes in gauge may change (1) the size of your finished shawl, (2) the drape of the fabric, and (3) the amount of yarn you may need.

NEEDLES
One set of 32” (80 cm) circular needles in size needed to achieve gauge listed above

Suggested needle sizes: US 4 (3.5 mm)

TOOLS
Optional stitch markers for placing between pattern repeats
Size G (4 mm) crochet hook (optional)
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

SKILL LEVEL
Adventurous beginner to intermediate
Techniques: increases, decreases, bobbles, picot bind-off